ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics

ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics is intended to be a resource and network for library and information professionals who are responsible for, and interested in, comics and graphic novels.

Terms of reference

Group interest A resource and network for library and information professionals who are responsible for, and interested in, comics and graphic novels.

Group category Special interest

State National

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PURPOSE AND GOALS

  • To promote comics and graphic novels to libraries, allied institutions and professionals within the GLAMR sector, with a particular focus on Australian titles and creators
  • To collate new graphic novels releases and publish a monthly roundup of recommended titles for libraries
  • The creation and sharing of news and resources related to graphic novels in libraries
  • To provide networking and PD opportunities for library staff
  • Develop and carry out advocacy around comics as a medium, including educational, literacy, and engagement benefits
  • To connect and build bridges with Australian creators and graphic novels publishers
  • To establish a relationship of mutual benefit with the Ledger Awards (the awards for excellence in Australian comics)

Meet the Team

(With thanks to Pauli Tree for the committee portraits)

 
 

Marissa King (Treasurer)

I am a teacher librarian that recently graduated with a Master of Information Management to add on to my GLAM skills. Though currently based in the Melbourne area, I'm originally from the U.S. and also spent time teaching English to public school students in Japan.
 
My to-be-read pile is in 2.5 languages and multiple locations, and is on track to become The Thing That Ate Arkansas. In the interest of feeding my brain a balanced diet, these include graphic novels, manga, novels, and audiobooks. Fantasy, sci-fi, and YA titles take up the majority of that list, but sometimes something else will sneak in when I'm not looking. If I'm not reading, I might be watching anime, playing a video game, working on a yarn project, or cuddling with whichever rescue dog I'm currently fostering.

James Baker (Secretary & Collections and Resources Coordinator)

I’m a librarian at the Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Victoria’s oldest library, where I handle the cataloguing, digital presence, and graphic novels acquisitions. I also teach in the Diploma of Library and Information Services course at Swinburne University of Technology.

I enjoyed comics in my childhood, but this interest was strongly discouraged throughout high school and university so I have returned to graphic novels in adulthood with both nostalgia and fresh wonder at the form, as well as a determination to ensure that other teens and adults aren't made to feel embarrassed for their interest in graphic literature.

Gabby Cundy (Social Media Coordinator)
Situated in Western Sydney, I’ve worked as a library technician for the past several years. Working within a school environment, I’ve developed a love of Children’s and YA literature, reading as many books as I can each week. I’m completing a Bachelor of Information Studies (Librarianship) and will follow by completing a Masters in Children’s literature.
My passion for books has steadily grown over the years and I can always be found with a book close by; the majority of those being new release YA novels and graphic novels. Helping children and teenagers find a book that they fall in love with is what I want to do for the rest of my career. Making connections through books and instilling the love of literature so they become lifelong readers brings no greater feeling…even better than the feeling that the first coffee of the day brings!
Jade Smith (Content Coordinator)
I am a passionate library advocate working across public library and school library settings in Sydney. I enjoy working with children, young people and their families through collaborative Readers’ Advisory services to find books and resources that are aligned with their interests and I am always available to chat about books. I am currently undertaking my Master of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University and have been lucky enough to win the 2020 Jean Arnot Memorial Fellowship for my paper 'Information in Crisis: Analysing the Future Roles of Public Libraries During and Post-COVID-19'.
I always carry a book (or few) with me wherever I go and I believe in the power of graphic novels and comics in opening literacy gateways to empower people of all ages to read and learn.
Rebecca Teitzel (Collections & Resources)
Rebecca Teitzel is the Library Collection Coordinator at a Queensland public library service, currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Studies at Charles Sturt University. Experienced in library operations, with a focus on digital collections and graphic novels.
Mia Karvouniaris (Collections & Resources)
Mia is a Collections Library Technician currently living, laughing and librarying on Gadigal Country.